Golf glove for insuring correct wrist motion



May 3 1955 R. L. MCKINNEY GOLF GLOVE FOR INSURING CORRECT WRIST MOTION Filed Nov. 16, 1953 mvEmoR Robert L Mo Kinney im/711; I V ATTORNEY.

United States Patent H GOLF GLOVE FOR INSUR ING CORRECT WRIST MOTION Robert L. McKinney, Detroit, Mich.

Application November 16, 1953, Serial No. 392,316

2 Claims. (Cl. 2-16) This invention relates to a device for controlling wrist motion by means of an action of tension between the wrist and the thumb and having for its object to provide a device for applying tension which can be regulated between the forearm and the hand to aid in obtaining the correct position of the wrist at both the top of the back swing and the beginning of the down swing so as to properly hit the ball.

The experts and masters in the science and art of this most interesting and popular game, have developed a definite realization that correct gripping and the assumption of the correct position at the top of the back swing are essential to control proper timing and accuracy throughout the entire swing or stroke. j

The back stroke of a swing is in reality the process of winding up or storing energy to attain the power which is released and amplified in the downward motion of the stroke.

The grip, and the first movement of the downswing plus the position at the top, constitute the three prime fundamentals of golf. If these are performed correctly a good shot must follow. If any one of the three is incorrect, the chance of a good shot is diminished.

A correct position at the top of the backswing probably is the greatest factor in producing a good shot. If you reach the top properly you are then coiled and set to deliver a blow of great power and one in the right direction, which is from the inside out. Therefore an object of the invention ,is to provide a device for applying tension which can be regulated between the forearm and the hand to aid in obtaining the correct position of the wrist at the top of the back swing. The first correct movement of the downswing is also of prime importance. If the grip and the position at the top are correct the swing can be spoiled by a bad start down. The correct movement of the downswing eliminates the last possibility of throwing the club r' head outside the line and also the last chance of uncocking the wrists too soon and expending the power before the ball is reached.

With the proper grip and position at the top and then with this correct first movement in the downswing it will be well nigh impossible to hit either too soon or from the outside in. These are the two things that ruin most shots. Therefore another object of the invention is to provide a device for applying tension between the forearm and the hand and thus aid in obtaining the first correct movement of the downswing.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter fully described and claimed, it being understood that various modifications may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification:

Fig. 1 is perspective view of the device.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view along the line 2-2 of Fig. l,

2,709,257 f fienimd May 31, 1955 'ice tension thereto.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device in applied position and showing the club shaft 17 and palm of the hand in elevation.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a'modified form showing the elastic band extending forwardly under and around the thumb of the wearer and back to the strap.

Referring now to the drawing in which like characters of reference designate similar parts in the various views, 10 designates a strap of leather or other inextensible material. As illustrated in Fig. 1 the loose second end of the strap 10 is reduced as at 11 for engagement with the buckle 12 attached to the first end of the strap. When in use, as shown in Fig. 3, the strap 10 is wrapped firmly around the wrist of the player and buckled tightly in position. Afiixed rigidly to the strap 10 is an elastic band 13 which projects at right angles to the strap and passes through an opening 16 in the thumb piece 15. After the player firmly attaches the strap to his wrist, he inserts his thumb into this thumb piece 15 and by drawing the elastic band 13 around his thumb and through the buckle 14, which is attached to the strap, he can regulate the desired tension in the elastic band. This invention diifers from golf gloves which usually provide a left hand form-fitting structure which may be built into the golf glove proper to assist the player to correctly grip the club. This invention has nothing to do with the handle of the club, but rather is an action of tension between the wrist and the thumb of the wearer. This tension has a tendency when you swing back to make you cock your wrist, and also tells you if you are hitting at the top of the swing instead of holding your wrists firmly.

Obviously it is apparent that the elastic band might be attached to a whole glove as well as with just the thumb piece as illustrated. Thus by having the elastic band which is attached to the strap extend forwardly under and around the thumb and back to the strap as above described, this device can be used with any standard golf glove and by eliminating the thumb piece the cost of the device is reduced.

Experiments have proved that the subject matter of the present invention is quite useful for the purpose designed whether it be a means for teaching the correct thing to be done in play or as a device for constant use in actual play. These experiments have indicated that this device for applying tension which can be regulated between the forearm and the hand, aids in obtaining the correct position of the wrist at the top of the back swing and also the first correct movement of the downswing.

It is to be appreciated that the invention may take many forms in addition to those illustrated in the drawing and therefore I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the preferred form only. For example, other means may be found in lieu of a buckle and strap arrangement to firmly secure the parts in a tightened position. For instance it may be feasible to use a snap fastener or other fastening means in place of the buckles shown.

Having described my invention I claim:

1. A new article of manufacture, comprising a wide strap, a buckle attached to the first end of said strap, the second end of said strap being reduced, the second reduced portion of said strap being wound around the wrist of the wearer and engaging the buckle to firmly secure the strap to the wrist, an elastic band fixed at one end rigidly to the strap and extending at right angles thereto, a thumb piece having an opening therein, a second buckle attached to one side of said strap whereby the elastic band is tensioned by passing the fore end of the band first through said opening and then through said second buckle.

2. A new article of manufacture, comprising a wide strap, a buckle attached to the first end of the strap, the

second end of said strap being reduced, the second reduced portion of said strap being wound around the wrist of the wearer and engaging the buckle to firmly secure the strap to the wrist, an elastic band fixedat one end rigidly to the strap and extending forwardly under and around the thumb of the wearer and back to the strap, a second buckle attached to one side of the strap whereby the elastic band is tensioned by passing the free end of the band around the thumb of the wearer and then through said second buckle.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Capossela Feb. 13, 1943 Moore Feb. 7, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Oct. 5, 1927 

